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Lyon supports Myers, focusing on health

Lyon supports Myers, focusing on health

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Brandon Lyon

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KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- The news of Brett Myers being moved into the closer role and out of the rotation didn't come as a surprise to veteran closer Brandon Lyon, who was briefed about the decision days earlier. Lyon, who appeared in only 15 games last year before undergoing major arm surgery, understands the club's decision and is rooting for Myers.

"The main thing for me is getting myself healthy, and we'll figure all that stuff later," said Lyon, when asked about his role. "I'm not going to go in there and say, 'I want this role.' It's a matter of just basically getting going and seeing where I'm at. I know I can help this ballclub win games. If I'm healthy, everything is going to play out."

Lyon, in the final year of his three-year, $15 million deal, had surgery June 30 to repair the detachment of his right biceps tendon and to also mend a tear in his labrum. He has 78 career saves, including 20 with the Astros in 2010. Lyon said Myers, who saved 21 games for the Phillies in 2007, will be a very capable closer.

"I think he'll do just fine," Lyon said. "He definitely has the mentality to be in the bullpen. If he has a bad game or makes a bad pitch, he's going to make a quick adjustment. He's good at that and has been doing that for years, whether it's in the bullpen or the rotation. I'm excited to see him go out there with more adrenaline, more intensity coming out of the bullpen."

Lyon said he's ahead of where he hoped he would be eight months following his surgery and will be ready for Opening Day.